Fiddleheads are the fronds of a young fern harvested to be used later as a vegetable. If that sounds like something you’ve never heard of, that’s alright because most people haven’t! This food hasn’t really made its way into the mainstream world yet, but it’s getting there! Here’s what you need to know about this mysterious food.
What They Taste Like
Fiddleheads can be used as an ingredient for salads and other dishes. It’s advised not to eat raw fiddleheads as they contain high levels of arsenic which is toxic. However, you can boil them to get rid of the toxins. When eaten raw, they have a crunchy texture and a light flavor (though as we said, you shouldn’t eat them when raw). Once cooked, fiddleheads can be sweet like asparagus and snappy like a green bean.
How Do You Cook Them?
Start by washing the fiddleheads in cold water and ensure you remove any debris. To cook, place them in boiling salted water. Be sure not to overcook them, because otherwise the flavor will change drastically. 10-15 minutes of boiling or 12 minutes of steaming are enough for optimal taste.
You can add butter and salt for more flavor. Fiddleheads’ bright green color carries over into the flavor, and they’re delicious as a side dish with just about any main course.
